At just three months old, a tiny western lowland gorilla named Bruno has already captured the hearts of visitors and animal lovers across the world. Recently, the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas released footage of the infant taking his very first steps—and the moment was nothing short of magical.

The video shows little Bruno wobbling uncertainly, leaning heavily on his mother, Gracie, for balance. For a few precious seconds, he manages to steady himself before dropping back down to the ground. It is a milestone every infant gorilla must face, but watching Bruno attempt those first steps reminds us of the universality of growth, courage, and the bond between mother and child.

Bruno, whose name seems perfectly fitting for a young gorilla destined to grow strong, was born in the early hours of November 6th to his parents, Gracie and Elmo. At the time of his birth, zookeepers estimated he weighed between four and five pounds, which is typical for his species.

The zoo has a special reason to celebrate Bruno’s arrival: he is only the second gorilla ever born at Fort Worth Zoo. His older brother, Gus, was born in 2015 and has since grown into a beloved member of the troop. For staff and visitors alike, the birth of Bruno represents not just joy but also hope for the critically endangered western lowland gorilla population.

A spokesperson for the zoo couldn’t hide their excitement as they shared updates on the little one’s progress.
“Are you seeing what we’re seeing? Baby Bruno is standing—with help from Mom!” the spokesperson said. “You’ll notice him squirming around a lot more these days, reaching out or crawling on his mom when she’s trying to nap.”

Like any newborn, Bruno is endlessly curious, full of energy, and not always considerate of his mother’s need for rest. But Gracie, patient and nurturing, has kept her baby close by, ensuring his safety as he adjusts to his surroundings in the zoo’s World of Primates habitat.

Zookeepers say the mother-son bond is strong and continues to deepen each day. While Gracie and Bruno are fully integrated into their troop, she is careful to keep him close as he slowly begins to meet and interact with other gorillas. This early stage of socialization is key to his development, and the troop provides him with both protection and valuable lessons for life ahead.

Depending on the weather and Bruno’s energy levels, visitors may catch a glimpse of him clinging tightly to his mother, exploring his habitat, or practicing his movements in both indoor and outdoor areas. Each sighting is a reminder of the fragile beauty of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals.

Western lowland gorillas, native to the dense forests and swamps of Central and West Africa, are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and disease. Every successful birth in captivity, like Bruno’s, contributes to the long-term survival of the species by maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations.

For now, though, Bruno is just a baby—curious, playful, and still finding his footing in the world. His first wobbly steps are a small but powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and the simple joys that remind us why animals like him deserve to be protected.

Visitors who come to Fort Worth Zoo in the coming months will not only have the chance to see Bruno up close but also witness a moment of history in the making—the early days of a gorilla who represents both the future of his species and the timeless wonder of new life.